Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Okafuji Shrine
岡太神社
/ Okafuji Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
Dawn to dusk
Overview
Okafuji Shrine (岡太神社) in Echizen City is Japan's only shrine dedicated to the deity of papermaking, enshrining Kawakami Gozen — the "Lady of the Upper River" who according to tradition appeared along the Okafuji River approximately 1,500 years ago and taught local villagers the art of making washi paper. Sharing a single architecturally extraordinary building with the adjacent Otaki Shrine (founded 719 CE), the compound's main hall (built 1843) features what is considered Japan's most complex layered roof structure and is designated a National Important Cultural Property. Echizen washi has been produced here for over 1,200 documented years, and in December 2025 Echizen Torinoko paper was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
History
719
Otaki Shrine (compound partner) formally founded by monk Taicho (Yoro 3).
730
Oldest surviving Echizen washi document preserved in the Shosoin, confirming the paper tradition's early history.
1843
Current main hall with its famous complex layered roof completed by master carpenter Okubo Kanzaemon.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.9186, 136.2106
Physical Address
17-20 Awatabecho, Echizen-shi, Fukui
福井県越前市粟田部町17-20
Historical Province
Echizen / Wakasa
Access
Takefu Station (JR Hokuriku Line)
Hours
Dawn to dusk
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Okafuji Shrine?
Okafuji Shrine (岡太神社) in Echizen City is Japan's only shrine dedicated to the deity of papermaking, enshrining Kawakami Gozen — the "Lady of the Upper River" who according to tradition appeared along the Okafuji River approximately 1,500 years ago and taught local villagers the art of making washi paper. Sharing a single architecturally extraordinary building with the adjacent Otaki Shrine (founded 719 CE), the compound's main hall (built 1843) features what is considered Japan's most complex layered roof structure and is designated a National Important Cultural Property. Echizen washi has been produced here for over 1,200 documented years, and in December 2025 Echizen Torinoko paper was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Where is Okafuji Shrine located?
Okafuji Shrine is located in Echizen-shi, Fukui. The full address is: 17-20 Awatabecho, Echizen-shi, Fukui.